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Operating trucks such as these on S.C. roadways will now result in a warning or traffic ticket.
It is now illegal to operate elevated, lowered, or squatted vehicles in South Carolina.
A law banning these modifications, alterations, or changes in the physical structure of the vehicle came into effect on November 12.
Squatted vehicles, commonly known as having the ‘Carolina Squat,’ include those with a front or rear fender lifted higher than the other. This ban prohibits the operation of passenger motor vehicles, including pickup trucks, on roadways if the height of the front fender is raised or lowered four or more inches above the height of the rear fender. This includes pickup trucks.
Although the east coast namesake of the vehicle style, the Carolina squat did not originate in either of the Carolinas.
It was born out of Baja racing in California – an off-road, desert, motorsport race held on the Baja California Peninsula. Racing vehicles were squatted to stick a better landing on jumps, as there was less impact to the driver and the suspended front end.
This vehicle style may work in desert racing, but it is found to be a danger on roadways and has already been banned in North Carolina and Virginia.
Governor of Virginia Glenn Younkin signed a bill in early 2022 banning squatted vehicles in the state after the death of a 27-year-old who was killed by a 2016 squatted Chevy pickup truck crossing the center line.
In cases of collision, the vehicle being struck can end up underneath the squatted vehicle.
When a vehicle is substantially raised in the front, it can be difficult for the driver to see the entirety of the roadway and effectively utilize rearview mirrors leading to poor visibility. Headlights are also tilted upward rather than forward, limiting the driver’s ability to see what is in front of them.
Not only can squatted vehicles be dangerous, but this modification can affect the vehicle’s performance and handling. Also, towing becomes a challenge.
This law also bans passenger motor vehicles lifted or lowered more than six inches from operating on roadways. This excludes pickup trucks.
According to the law, the height of the fender shall be determined by a “vertical measurement from and perpendicular to the ground, through the centerline of the wheel, and to the bottom of the fender.”
Warning citations will be issued to drivers for the first six months. In May 2024, drivers will begin receiving tickets for violations. A $100 fine for the first offense, a $200 fine for the second offense, and $300 for the third violation in addition to a license suspension for 12 months if convicted.
Local law enforcement plans to uphold this new ban in Barnwell County.
“We are going to treat it like we would any traffic violation,” said Sheriff Steve Griffith, who explained the Barnwell County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) will work to inform the community of this recent legislature.
Interim Barnwell Police Chief Robert Miller feels similarly, and plans to enforce state law accordingly. Chief Miller explained although he does not see many squatted vehicles within the city limits, he and his patrol officers will inform their drivers of this new law.
